Mother, daughter killed in crash farewelled

A mother and daughter killed when a driver allegedly ran a
stop sign were farewelled yesterday.

Hundreds braved wind and driving rain at Sumner School for
the funeral of 12-year-old Ella Summerfield and 49-year-old
Sally Summerfield, also known as Sally Rumble.

Father and husband Shane Summerfield, who was taken to
hospital after the crash near Rakaia on May 31, was
discharged earlier this week.

Friends and family from Sumner and others from around New
Zealand and the UK gathered to celebrate the lives of Mrs
Summerfield and Ella, family friend Wyn Mossman said
afterwards.

"The service was gorgeous, elegant and simple, reflecting
Sally's creative, kind spirit.

"It also captured Ella's zest for life and sense of fun," he
said.

Representatives from Ella's schools spoke fondly of her. A
close friend sang a musical tribute.

Ella's netball teammates spoke of her great love for the
sport, while a friend and teammate placed a silver fern
uniform on her casket, as it was one of her dreams to play
for the national team, Mr Mossman said.

Speakers also paid tribute to the third victim of the crash,
Abi Hone, also 12, whose funeral service was held on Monday,
also at Sumner School.

Ella Summerfield's casket was led out by her netball team,
with classmates forming a guard of honour. Mrs Summerfield's
casket was led by her close Sumner friends.

Johannes Jacobus Appelman, 52, has been charged with careless
driving causing death in relation to the crash. Appelman will
reappear at Christchurch District Court on July 10.